Development of Best Practices for Inspection of PT Bridges in Minnesota

Status:
CompleteReport Date:
04/12/2012

Summary:

Researchers conducted inspections of post-tensioned bridges built in Minnesota before 2003 and updated current bridge inspection procedures so that problems in these bridges can be detected and addressed. In general, the inspected bridges were in good overall condition. Invasive testing showed that one of the three bridges inspected showed no strand corrosion or grouting problems, one had major corrosion problems related to construction issues but appeared to have good grout, and one had significant problems with grouting and the beginning of corrosion. A follow-up implementation project will conduct a more detailed investigation of grouting in post-tensioned bridges.